THE KISS
By
JIM PAPPAS
Revised Copyright
2007
Cast 60 persons Can be performed with a
cast of 8-10 men and 2-3 women all with
multiple parts.
Judas
Eleazar
Rabbi 1-4
Soldier 1-3
Jesus
Peter
Malchus
Disciple 1-3
Centurian
Annas
Bystander 1-3
Maid 1-2
Caiphas
Counsel
Witness 1-5
Judge 1-6
Mob 1-10
Crowd
Herod
Pilate
Messenger
Claudia
Lictor
Private
Person 1-2
Simon
Woman 1-3
Thief 1
Thief 2
Time circa 60 minutes
SCENE 1
JUDAS
I can picture it all now. Within weeks
the armies of Israel will be on the
march. The Messiah will be at their
head, calling down manna from heaven
and striking water from the rocks.
Walled cities will fall in a day and
wounded soldiers will be healed to
fight again tomorrow. Israel will rule
the world, and I, Judas Iscariot, will
sit at the right hand of her Messiah
King.
ELEAZAR
You've persuaded Jesus to accept the
throne!
JUDAS
No, He's much too modest to do that.
But I have taken steps that will put
Him there.
ELEAZAR
A revolution!
JUDAS
No, of course not. That's the last
thing He would agree to.
ELEAZAR
Judas. How can you speak of Israel's
exaltation if He won't claim the throne
and you have no plans for a revolution?
JUDAS
Very simple, my friend. I have devised
a plan which will both embarrass the
priests and force a revolt in His
favor.
ELEAZAR
That's a pretty tall order, Judas.
JUDAS
Not for Judas, son of Iscariot.
ELEAZAR
Well, well, come on, come on.
JUDAS
I've sold Him!
ELEAZAR
Sold Him!
JUDAS
That's right - sold Him.
ELEAZAR
Judas, would you please stop speaking
in riddles and explain yourself!
JUDAS
Well, I didn't actually sell Him. I've
just accepted a small monetary
remuneration for information leading to
His capture.
ELEAZAR
Capture
JUDAS
Yes. They'll take Him tonight in the
Garden of Gethsemane.
ELEAZAR
You've sold out to the priests. That
makes you a traitor.
JUDAS
Nah. Unless He fails to escape and they
put Him to death. But the chances of
that are one in a million. He has
powers at His fingertips that we cannot
even conceive of.
ELEAZAR
Indeed?
JUDAS
Yes. Why, I've personally seen Him
escape mobs and soldiers time and time
again.
ELEAZAR
Hmm.
JUDAS
No, my friend. I have not played the
traitor. This small act of mine will
merely force Him to demonstrate His
powers.
ELEAZAR
Hope you.
JUDAS
Know me. And! For my foresight in
forcing Him to the throne I shall be
promoted to second in the new kingdom.
ELEAZAR
But suppose He is condemned and
crucified as He has been telling us?
What happens to you?
JUDAS
Bah! Scare tactics. But, if worse
should come to worse, what I have done
will change nothing. And either way, I
am a richer man. In fact, I hope to
purchase a piece of land to leave to my
children.
ELEAZAR
Hmm. Still sounds risky to me.
JUDAS
Nah! No matter what happens, Iscariot
wins. In one sharp bargain I have
gained the world and lost nothing.
ELEAZAR
All I can say is that I'd hate to be in
your place if anything goes wrong.
JUDAS
Nonsense! What could possibly go wrong?
He is the Messiah and He will
eventually rule the world. I am merely
speeding things up a little.
ELEAZAR
Time will tell, I suppose.
JUDAS
Yes, won't it. I wish I could be alive
to read the history books. Well, it
grows late. I must deliver a kiss.
Farewell.
ELEAZAR
A kiss?
SCENE 2
JUDAS
Well, Rabbi, we're almost to the top.
Soon you'll have Him safe in your
hands.
RABBI
(Panting) Does this man always pray at
the tops of mountains?
JUDAS
Shh! There they are!
RABBI
It is dark. How will we know the right
man?
JUDAS
The one I greet with a kiss shall be
He. Just be sure to seize Him
immediately or He will certainly escape
you again.
RABBI
Yes, yes, of course. Watch for the
kiss, soldiers.
SOLDIER
Yes, rabbi.
JESUS
Who are you looking for?
RABBI
Jesus of Nazareth
JESUS
I am he.(There is a bright light - the
presence of an angel - the mob falls
back in terror)
JESUS
Who are you looking for?
RABBI
(A bit fearfully) Jesus of Nazareth.
JESUS
I have told you that I am he. If I am
the One you are looking for, let these
men go their way.
JUDAS
(Mock weeping as he delivers the kiss)
Hail, Master
JESUS
Judas. Why have you come, friend? Do
you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?
RABBI
He's the man, soldiers. Seize and bind
Him!
PETER
Lord! Shall we strike with the sword?
(Pantomimes swinging sword)
MALCHUS
Ahh! My ear! My ear!
JESUS
No need for this, Peter. Put away your
sword. All that take the sword shall
perish by the sword. (Jesus heals the
severed ear - use mime) Shall I not
drink of the cup that my Father has
given me? Don't you think I can pray to
my Father and receive twelve legions of
angels to defend me?
DISCIPLE 1
I don't understand?
DISCIPLE 2
Why doesn't He save Himself?
DISCIPLE 1
And us!
DISCIPLE 3
Something's wrong. He has always
escaped before.
JESUS
But how then shall the Scriptures be
fulfilled that have said this is how is
shall be? Shall I refuse to drink the
cup which my Father has given me?
(Addressing mob) You come against me
with swords and staves as you would
against a thief or robber. You could
have taken me at any time while I was
teaching in the temple, but you did
nothing. The night is better suited to
your manner of work. This is your hour,
and the hour of the power of darkness.
DISCIPLE 3
What does this mean? Why has He let
them bind him?
PETER
I don't know. But if He won't let us
fight for Him, then there's nothing
more we can do here. I say we at least
save ourselves. They turn and flee)
CENTURIAN
Go after those men! Don't let them get
away!
RABBI
Forget them. We've got to get this man
to Annas for preliminary questioning
immediately.
SCENE 3
JESUS
Why are you asking me all of these
needless questions. Your spies have
been following me since I first began
to teach. Ask them what I have said.
ANNAS
Hmm.
JESUS
I have always taught openly in the
temple and synagogues. I have nothing
to hide.
ANNAS
Ahem.
JESUS
But you! Against our law you hire a
traitor. Against our law you seize me
by force at midnight. Against our law
you try me by night in an illegal
court. These ropes pronounce me guilty
before I am accused. Your hired
witnesses cannot even agree on their
story. Secrecy and deception are your
manner of work. Not mine.(Annas is
embarrassed & hangs his head. This
angers the Centurian)
CENTURIAN
(striking Jesus) Is that how you answer
the high priest!
JESUS
If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness
to the wrong. But if I have spoken
rightly, why do you strike me?
ANNAS
We are gaining nothing here. Take Him
to the high priest. (They begin to
exit) And keep Him bound. If He should
escape we could all lose our lives.
SCENE 4
BYSTANDER 1
Man, its cold.
BYSTANDER 2
I'll say. Get some more wood on that
fire.
(Enter John & Peter. Peter moves to the
fire - John moves off to the side)
BYSTANDER 1
Greetings, stranger.
PETER
(Peter grunts - Enter a maid)
BYSTANDER 1
New in town?
PETER
Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, just visiting.
(The maid turns at the sound of Peter's
voice)
MAID 1
Say, wait a minute. Aren't you one of
this man's disciples?
PETER
(All eyes turn to him. Peter turns away
pretending he does not hear)
MAID 1
You were with this Jesus of Nazareth,
weren't you!
PETER
Woman, I don't know Him. I don't even
understand what you're saying.
PRIEST
This preliminary trial before the Great
Sanhedrin will now come to order. His
Holiness, the High Priest Caiaphas
presiding.
MAID 1
(At the announcement of the priest
attention is diverted away from Peter.
The maid is still suspicious but now is
not the time to press the issue)Hmmph.
(She turns away - unconvinced) I still
say he's one of them.
CAIAPHAS
So! You are the wonder worker, eh? Well
then, let's see one of your miracles.
Perhaps a little fire from heaven would
be appropriate to the occasion? Well?
It is just as I thought. You are an
imposter bent upon misleading the
ignorant. Counsel, you may bring forth
the witnesses and cross-examine them.
COUNSEL
Yes, Your Holiness. Who will be first
to stand in witness against this . . .
this criminal?
WITNESS 1
I, sir.
COUNSEL
Proceed.
WITNESS 1
He is stirring up revolution among the
people, beginning at Galilee even to
Jerusalem. He is a revolutionary with
12 generals trained in warfare and He
plans to overthrow Caesar and be a god.
COUNSEL
You say He has 12 generals.
WITNESS 1
Yes, sir.
COUNSEL
Where were they trained?
WITNESS 1
Trained, sir?
COUNSEL
Yes; where did they learn warfare?
WITNESS 1
I'm not sure exactly, sir.
COUNSEL
You just know that He has 12 famous
generals in His army.
WITNESS 1
Yes sir.
COUNSEL
And what did you say His plans were?
WITNESS 1
Oh, uh, Er . . . to plunder and kill
and be the head of an outlaw band.
COUNSEL
I see.
WITNESS 1
Do you want me to testify some more,
sir?
COUNSEL
No! I mean, no thank you. You've done
more than enough already. Is there
another?
WITNESS 2
I, sir. He holds secret meetings where
He instructs His followers in His ways.
And He Himself works His wonders by the
power of Beelzebub.
COUNSEL
You say He holds secret meetings?
WITNESS 2
Yes sir.
COUNSEL
Where?
WITNESS 2
Where? Oh, just were ever He can get a
crowd together. (Bystanders snicker)
Er, I mean . .. . that is . . .
I'm not really sure, sir. They're
secret, you see.
COUNSEL
I see . . . (Helpless glance towards
Caiaphas) You say He works His wonders
through the power of Beelzebub?
WITNESS 2
Yes sir.
COUNSEL
What does He do through the power of
Beelzebub?
WITNESS 2
Huh?
COUNSEL
Through the power of Beelzebub. What
does He do?
WITNESS 2
Oh, uh . . . He cures leprosy and makes
the blind to see and the deaf to hear
and the crippled to . . .
CAIAPHAS
Stop! Counsel, you may call the next
witness.
COUNSEL
Yes, Holiness.
WITNESS 3
He has forbidden us to pay tribute to
Caesar!
WITNESS 4
He has called the priests of the Most
High hypocrites and murderers!
WITNESS 5
This fellow said, "I am able to destroy
the Temple of God and to rebuild it in
three days!"
WITNESS 4
Yes, I've heard Him say that.
WITNESS 3
So have I.
CAIAPHAS
Have you no answer to make? What is it
that these men testify against you?
(There is a long pause but no answer) I
adjure you by the living God, tell us
if you are the Christ, the Son of God.
JESUS
You have spoken correctly. But I tell
you, hereafter you will see the Son of
Man seated at the right hand of power,
and coming on the clouds of heaven.
CAIAPHAS
(Gasps from all) Blasphemy! (He tears
his robe) He has uttered blasphemy!
We ourselves are witnesses. What is
your verdict?
JUDGE 1
He is guilty! Let Him die!
JUDGE 2
Guilty. He deserves death.
JUDGE 3
Guilty. Death.
JUDGE 4
Guilty. Death
JUDGE 5
Let Him die!
JUDGE 6
Guilty
CAIAPHAS
Gentlemen of the jury. The prisoner has
been found guilty of blasphemy. By our
law such must die. But, by the same law
He must be tried by day before a full
court. Since the dawn is yet some time
away, I suggest that the prisoner be
taken to the courtyard where the people
may "interview Him".
MOB 1
We'll interview Him all right
MOB 2
Yeah, we'll see if He is the Son of God
or not.
MOB 3
Prophesy to us, Prophet. Who curses
you?
MOB 4
Prophesy again! Who spits upon you?
MOB 5
So you will come int the clouds of
heaven, will you?
MOB 6
We spit upon you and your clouds.
MOB 7
I spit upon you, Prophet.
MOB 8
I strike you, Prophet.
MOB 9
I strike you too!
MOB 10
Take that! Prophet.
BYSTANDER 1
Say now. If that mob gets any nastier
there's not gonna be much left to
execute.
BYSTANDER 2
Yeah. It don't get much better than
this. Heh heh heh. (to Peter) Right
Pal?
PETER
(Attempting to conceal his true
identity) What?
BYSTANDER 1
I said it don't get . . . Hey.
S'matter, friend? Yer lookin' a little
green around the gills.
PETER
No, no. It's alright. I'm fine.
MOB 1
Take that, Prophet! Ha ha ha!
BYSTANDER 2
Put that bag over His head & see if He
can prophecy who's striking Him!
BYSTANDER 3
Yeah, heh heh heh. Good idea!
PETER
They don't need to beat an innocent
man that way! (Enter a 2nd maid who
hears Peter's voice and grows
suspicious)
BYSTANDER 1
Innocent! Say, who's side are you on,
anyhow?
PETER
Nobody's side. I'm on no body's side.
BYSTANDER 1
Well better pick sides pretty soon,
pal. Cuz this guy's a blasphemer.
MAID 2
He's not gonna choose sides. He was
with Him. One of His disciples.(All
eyes to Peter)
PETER
Hey! I don't know the man, all right!
MAID 2
Yeah, you do. You're one of his
followers.(Enter Bystander 3)
PETER
I swear by the Holy Temple that I do
not know the man! So back off! All
right!
MAID 2
I don't believe you. I'm sure . . .
BYSTANDER 2
Hey, woman. Cut the man some slack. He
swore by the temple, didn't he?
MAID 2
Hmmph!
SCENE 5
RABBI
This gathering of the Holy men of
Israel will now come to order. His
Holiness the High Priest Caiaphas
presiding.
CAIAPHAS
Are you the Christ? Tell us! Can you
indeed work miracles? Answer! Show us
that we may see and believe.
JUDAS
He is innocent! Spare Him, O Caiaphas!
Here is your blood money. Release Him.
He has done nothing worthy of death. He
is an innocent man. Spare Him, I beg of
you. Free Him!
CAIAPHAS
(Thrusting Judas away) Take your hands
off of me!
JUDAS
Free Him. Please free Him. I have
sinned in that I have betrayed innocent
blood.
CAIAPHAS
What is that to us? You see to that.
JUDAS
(Judas crawls to Jesus' feet) Master,
forgive me. You are the Son of God.
Deliver yourself. Reveal your power and
claim your throne. Don't let them
destroy you, I beg you.
JESUS
Judas, it is for this hour that I came
into the world.
SOLDIER
He is a God. . .
JUDAS
It is vain. It is too late. Too late! I
cannot live to see Him die. I am lost!
I am damned!!!
CAIAPHAS
(Re arranging his robe) Ahem.
Gentlemen, please accept my humble
apologies for this most unfortunate
interruption. The poor man must have
been possessed by Beelzebub. But let us
resume questioning. (To Jesus) Are you
the Christ? Tell us!
Can you work wonders? Answer! Show us
that we may see and believe.
JESUS
If I tell you the truth you will not
believe me. And if I ask you questions
in my defense, you will not answer me.
Neither will you release me if I prove
my innocence. But I tell you - You will
one day see the Son of Man sit on the
right hand of God.
CAIAPHAS
Are you the Son of God then?
JESUS
You speak correctly.
PRIEST 1
Why do we need any further witness?
PRIEST 2
We ourselves have heard the words from
His own mouth
PRIEST 3
He is guilty!
PRIEST 4
Let Him be put to death.
CAIAPHAS
Holy Men of Israel. It has been at
great personal sacrifice that we have
assembled at this early hour.
But we part with the inner glow of
peace that comes from having rendered
unto God a noble service. This man is a
blasphemer and we need only obtain the
seal of Pontius Pilate to insure His
prompt execution. Guard, return Him to
the courtyard while we make
arrangements.
MOB 1
Hey! Look see! He comes again.
MOB 2
Welcome, prophet.
MOB 3
Prophesy for us: Who strikes you?
MOB 4
Here. Put this sack over His head.
We'll see if He can prophecy or not.
Now prophet, speak. Who strikes you?
PETER
Why can't they show a little mercy?
This trial's all illegal
BYSTANDER 3
What's it ta you, pal?
PETER
Nothing. Its nothing to me.
BYSTANDER 3
Yeah it is. You're one of His
disciples.
PETER
No.
BYSTANDER 3
Didn't I see you at the capture?
PETER
No.
BYSTANDER 3
Weren't you the one with the sword?
PETER
No!
BYSTANDER 3
The one who took off my cousin's ear?
PETER
I don't know what you're talking about!
BYSTANDER 3
Yeah you do. You don't even talk like a
normal human being. (To crowd) Anybody
hear this man curse at all tonight?
CROWD
Not me.
BYSTANDER 2
Me neither
BYSTANDER 1
Pretty mamby pamby talker if you ask
me.
BYSTANDER 3
So it seems to me that a man who cares
about a little beating and who don't
know how to curse has gotta . . .
PETER
I curse you, You stupid swine. How many
times must I tell you that I do not
know the man! (A cock crows - Peter
turns to see Jesus looking at him with
a look of love and pity - he remembers
the words of Jesus)
JESUS (V.O.)
Verily, verily I tell you, Peter.
Before the cock crows twice you will
deny that you know me three times.
PETER (V.O.)
Lord, I will never deny you. I will go
to the death for you! (The cock crows
again. Peter breaks down and exits
weeping)
PETER
No! Oh what have I done! No! No no no!
MOB 5
Who kicks you, prophet?
MOB 6
Who spits in your face, prophet?
MOB 7
Who strikes you?
CENTURIAN
All right. Break it up. Break it up, I
said. Rome has not sentenced this man.
And even by your own law it is illegal
to condemn a man on his own testimony.
MOB 7
Let Him die!
CROWD
Die! Die! Let Him die. (Repeat)
CAIAPHAS
Gentlemen.
MOB 1
Shh! The High Priest speaks.
CAIAPHAS
We are ready. Let us proceed to Pontius
Pilate.
SCENE 6
PILATE
Who is this man? And why have you
brought Him to me?
CAIAPHAS
He is a deceiver called Jesus of
Nazareth.
PILATE
What accusation do you bring against
Him?
CAIAPHAS
If He were not a criminal, we would not
have brought Him before you.
PILATE
If you have judged Him by your law, why
have your brought Him to me? Take Him
and pass your own sentence upon Him.
CAIAPHAS
We have already passed judgement, sire.
We only need your seal to make it
legal.
PILATE
What is your sentence?
CAIAPHAS
The death sentence. But it is not
lawful for us to put a man to death
without your approval. Accept our
judgement and give your seal. We assume
all responsibility.
PILATE
You still haven't told me what He is
accused of.
CAIAPHAS
We have witnesses. Listen to what they
have to say.
WITNESS 1
We have found this fellow perverting
the nation and forbidding us to give
tribute to Caesar, claiming that He
Himself is Christ, a King.
PILATE
Are you the King of the Jews?
JESUS
You have spoken correctly.
RABBI
You see! He admits the charges against
Him. What else can you do but condemn
Him to death?
CROWD
Let Him die! (Repeat)
PILATE
Have you no answer to make? Don't you
see how many charges they bring against
you? Are you the King of the Jews?
JESUS
Are you asking me because you want to
know, or just to satisfy the priests?
PILATE
Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the
chief priests have delivered you to me.
What have you done?
JESUS
My Kingdom is not of this world. If my
kingdom were of this world, then my
followers would fight to save me from
the Jews; but my kingdom is not of this
world.
PILATE
Are you a king, then?
JESUS
You have said that I am a king, and you
are correct. For this purpose I was
born, and for this reason I came into
the world, that I might bear witness to
the truth. Everyone that is seeking
truth hears my voice.
PILATE
What is truth? (The increasing tumult
without recalls Pilate to the business
at hand. He turns to the mob) I find in
this man no fault at all! (The mob goes
into a frenzy)
RABBI 1
You refuse to condemn an enemy of the
nation!
RABBI 2
He has set Himself against Caesar!
RABBI 3
It is known everywhere that He is
spreading sedition from Galilee to
Jerusalem.
PILATE
This man is from Galilee? Then He is
not under my jurisdiction. Take Him to
Herod. (The mob roars in protest but
Pilate waves them off and turns away)
SCENE 7
Herod's palace
HEROD
Who is this man? And why have you
brought Him to me?
RABBI 1
A blasphemer, your majesty.
RABBI 2
He is guilty of sedition against
Caesar.
RABBI 3
You will be doing the nation a great
service to sentence Him with all
possible haste, your majesty.
HEROD
Silence! Untie this man. You know it is
illegal to bind a man until he has been
proven guilty. Don't you obey your own
laws?
(The priests murmur their protests but
answer nothing) . . . End of sample